Flippin' unreal: Fake orca mission capsizes
ASTORIA, Ore. — After a rough start, a fake killer whale finally took to the water off Astoria, in an effort to scare off sea lions. The mission was called off late Thursday, however, after the orca tipped over on its way to the docks where sea lions continued to lounge.
The Port of Astoria organized the release of the large fiberglass orca into the water Thursday. The whale, named "Island," is actually a registered boat and has a driver.
"Island" was originally built in the 1980s and is now outfitted with a Suzuki 8-horsepower outboard motor and speakers. The whale can spout water and can play recordings of orcas out hunting to try to drive sea lions from of the area.
The orca belongs to Terry Buzzard, who usually enters it in parades to promote his whale watching business. During a Thursday morning press conference, he said he had no idea what would happen when the killer whale hit the water.
Thursday afternoon the whale hit a snag when its engine flooded, but a replacement motor was eventually found.
The sea lions have become a big nuisance for the Port of Astoria, where officials say hundreds of the sea animals are damaging docks and competing with commercial fisherman for salmon.
Officials have tried numerous things to get them to leave, even putting beach balls nearby.
There's no telling if the fake orca will work or not, as wildlife experts say sea lions are smart, and they might catch on.
Contributing: The Associated Press